Vanderhoof Special Education Providers
Katie Hart
Learning Specialist
Katie.Hart@jeffco.k12.co.usI am a Jeffco graduate. I went to elementary school at Slater, Everitt Middle School, and Wheat Ridge High School.
In 2nd grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have worked for more than 20 years in education, mostly in Colorado and a few years in Arizona.
I love to watch my daughter play sports, we play games, and hang out with family. I enjoy being active outside, play softball, and scrapbook.
My favorites:
Spending time with my family
Italian and Mexican Food
Red and purple are my favorite colors
Denver Broncos
Nycole Bennecke
Learning Specialist
Nycole.Bennecke@jeffco.k12.co.usI grew up in Southern California and moved out to Colorado in 2011. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Special Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In February of 2021, I completed my master’s degree in Reading with an emphases in Elementary from Grand Canyon University. I am excited to be returning to Vanderhoof for a 5th year.
When I am not at school, I enjoy reading books, spending time with my family, gardening, and spending time outside. My husband and I have three daughters. As a family, we love to go outdoors to take hikes, go to rivers to play in the water, and take family road trips during the summer.
Rachel Switzer
Mental Health Provider
Rachel.Switzer@jeffco.k12.co.usI grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Colorado in 2004 to attend CU Boulder and never left! I taught preschool in Boulder and Denver for 3 years before going to graduate school at Metro State, where I received my Master’s of Social Work in 2013. After graduating, I worked as a social worker providing case management for families living in Section 8 Housing and then became a school social worker in Jeffco, where I have been for the past 9 years. This is my fifth year at Vanderhoof and I am so proud to be part of this team and community. I became a school social worker because I love making connections and working with kids and their families in a creative and constantly changing environment. I enjoy helping students navigate different challenges and choices while helping them to be successful in school.
My husband, Nick, and I have two children, Evan, 5, a Vanderhoof kindergartener, and Lilah, 2, as well as a dog and cat. We love to spend time together enjoying all of Colorado’s outdoor activities and visiting my family in Southern California.
Amy Park
Speech Language Therapist
Amy.Park@jeffco.k12.co.usbio
Nancy Nevarez
Learning Specialist
Nancy.Nevarez@jeffco.k12.co.usJess Hanne
SSN Teacher
Jessica.Hanne@jeffco.k12.co.usDarcy Sowards
SSN Speech and Language Therapist
darcy.sowards@jeffco.k12.co.usI am so excited to work with your child this year! We are going to do so many fun activities and learn a lot. I look forward to helping your child succeed in their education. This is my 17th year working as an educator. A few things I enjoy are the fall season, pizza, reading, and hiking with my 84 lb Alaskan Malamute. I will be here at Vanderhoof Elementary half time. Never hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns. We are a team, and together we can make a significant difference in your child’s life.
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